DfT to launch new online service

The Department for Transport has made new proposals which could mean that drivers will be able to report accidents online. Currently, motorists are required to report a crash in person within 24 hours and with this proposal will make it substantially easier for road users to make reports.

Not only will this minimise how much time people take off work as well as freeing up police resources. Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “Our roads are among the safest in the world, in part due to the outstanding work of traffic officers. However, the current system is out of date; it takes up considerable amounts of time and increases queues for reporting crimes. The ability to report accidents online will make the whole process quicker and easier for both drivers and the police.”

“We always welcome ideas which enable the public to be better served,” said chief constable Anthony Bangham, roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council. “On line collision reporting will greatly benefit members of the public and also enable officers to deal more quickly with their collision reports, meaning they can spend less time on paperwork and more time on police work,” explained Bangham.

Police forces will be able to adopt online reporting if supported in the 12- week consolation.